Léon Jansen currently is in the thick of things: he’s a member of a Dutch press team accompanying the famous Rally Dakar (former Paris-Dakar). And Sachtler is there with him, supporting Jansen and his colleagues with professional camera support equipment, including the multifunctional SOOM. Held in South America, the race's route crosses through the spacious landscapes between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Since January 3, 2009, the press team have been on their way with two Toyota Land Cruisers. The team of eight includes two cameramen, five photographers and one journalist, who is responsible for interviews. The desert rally makes high demands – not only on the drivers. The equipment is also exposed to extreme conditions. But the robust, lightweight and versatile SOOM is ideal for working between dunes. At this point, the drivers have reached Valparaiso, Chile on the Pacific coast and are half way through the route.

Read about the team’s daily experiences

Watch Dakar TV’s promotional spot